FIRST LOOKS

Titles include Secret Invasion: Thor #1 from Marvel Comics and The Art of Witchblade from Top Cow Productions.

ROBERT KIRKMAN BECOMES PARTNER AT IMAGE

Invincible and The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has become a corporate partner of Image Comics, the publisher announced on Tuesday.

"Image Comics has been a huge part of my life for as long as it's been in existence," said Kirkman. "Being inspired by the creation of Image, I've entered into my comics career not wanting to write corporate characters as much as I've wanted to create my own. Being a partner at Image, having the chance to help run the company as well as continue to contribute strong creator-owned series to its publishing line is more than I've ever thought possible for myself. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to sit at the table across from my fellow partners, and steer the direction of comics as a whole."

Kirkman began his Image Comics career in 2002 with the mini-series Superpatriot and Techjacket and in 2003 he debuted what would become his most famous creations, Invincible and The Walking Dead.

This new position will have Kirkman working alongside the current Image partners, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino, to spearhead what the publisher calls "a concerted effort to restructure and strengthen Image in the coming years."

Image Publisher Eric Stephenson said, "I've known Robert since the day he submitted his first books so to see him rise this far in a relatively small amount of time has been amazing. Not only that, you'd be hard pressed to find someone more passionate about creator owned comics -- there's really no better candidate for the position."

OCTOBER SOLICITATIONS ROUNDUP

For previously posted October solicitations, click on the publishers' names below:

BRIEFLY

* Marvel Comics has announced a second printing for Secret Invasion #3. The new printing will feature a cover of Leinil Yu's interior art and will be in stores on August 20.

* DC Comics has announced second printings for Final Crisis: Requiem and Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge #1.
Final Crisis: Requiem Second Printing features a recolored version of the issuešs cover by Doug Mahnke. Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge #1 Second Printing features a recolored version of the issuešs cover by Scott Kolins. Both are scheduled to arrive in stores on August 13.

COMICS CONTINUUM BACK ISSUES

In case you missed The Continuum's coverage over the past month, here are some links. Click on the date to get the day's full report.

* Wednesday, July 16: The Spirit, The Dark Knight, Punisher: War Zone, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Terminator: Salvation, Marvel second printings and First Looks.